Centre for Digital and Integrated Construction Processes

Motivation

Despite its high economic importance, the construction industry is one of the least digitized sectors. In particular, processes on construction sites are still strongly characterized by manual work. This places limits on significant productivity gains. Advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing, robotics, and AI offer diverse opportunities for more efficient and human-friendly construction processes. However, an integrated approach that systematically links technological efficiency gains with the physical, mental, and social aspects of work and makes them assessable is still lacking.

Objectives and Approach

The aim of the ZDIB research project is the development of an evaluation and decision-making framework that enables planners and practitioners to design digitally supported, human-centered construction processes on a sound basis. This framework jointly evaluates productivity, sustainability, as well as physical, mental, and social workloads. ZDIB, as a place of innovation, is intended to dedicate itself to this task.

In this way, it is to be understood how the handling of technologies such as concrete 3D printing and digital assistance systems influences construction in different national and international contexts. This handling is shaped by costs, labor availability, and other boundary conditions. To better understand when the use of machines appears meaningful, physical and mental workloads can be systematically measured and made comparable.